Should I get Turf & R4 tires with a new tractor?

[Hephaestus]

First I wanted to say that I've been using this site for years but have never posted until now. A quick search usually provides a thread with the answer to my question so I've never had a need to post before. I've enjoyed reading the general forums as well as the areas unique to each make, and have learned a lot by reading them. But I may be at a point of information overload and need some assistance.

I've been pricing out a tractor for my hobby farm. It's a mix of flat land and some hills, plus a stream that runs through it. I'm thinking I would benefit from turf tires when I use a mower or aerator so the tractor doesn't compact the soil too much, but I would also benefit from R4s when working near the stream, clearing snow, or doing some light excavating work.

I'm sure just getting R4s would work, but I've read some threads where it was suggested to get a set of both turf and R4 tires on rims so you could easily change between them. A best of both worlds solution. I received a quote of $1,200 for a set of turf tires and rims. Is the benefit of having both tires available to change to worth the extra money? Would the decision depend on the tractor's weight?

Please let me know what you think.

 

[Teachu2]

Size and weight matter. Lawn tractor, maybe. 30-40hp CUT with a loader? Not unless you are a heavy equipment mechanic with the tools to handle the work - especially if you load them. LOTS of weight involved.

 

[CalG]

Ag V tread seems to just disappear after the occasional traverse over lawn and forest.

The turf tires spin with even the smallest load and tear a divot down to bare earth. At least that is my experience in Vermont. Your soils may be different.

 

[4570Man]

Even if I had a free set of turfs I wouldn't put them on. It would be an hour or more job if they're unloaded. It would be a death wish and nearly impossible if they're loaded. The fronts do more damage based on my experience. Swapping just the fronts wouldn't be too bad. Keep it in 2wd and don't worry about the ratios.

 

[Hephaestus]

I have the equipment to jack up the tractor and an impact wrench makes quick work of lug nuts, but I am a little concerned about the time involved. The rear tires won't be filled, I'll have a backhoe or box blade on most of the time for balance.

Our current little tractor has turfs, and they spin and chew up the grass when climbing hills. A heavier tractor might not have that problem, but I have no way of testing that out.

We have a heavy clay soil here and whenever a truck has pulled onto the lawn it leaves huge ruts that I have to work out or fill in. That makes me concerned about the use of R4s everywhere.

Just getting a set of turfs for the front isn't a bad idea. I can see how the smaller tire width would equal a greater weight per inch than the rears, and a greater chance at making deep ruts. Thinking about that raises a question, is the weight distribution of a tractor on the front and rear tires 50/50?

 

[redman135]

If you are concerned about rutting of your lawn go for turf tyres. R4's will leave ruts. Note clay soil is fragile and compacts easily when wet, keep heavy vehicles off as you have found, or expect ruts. Also clay when dry is very strong(can carry heavy vehicles), and, not be damaged by R4's.
The weight distribution on a 2wd ag tractor is 40% front/ 60% rear. I don't know if this ratio is true for a cub cadet, but it is a starting point. Also if you weigh your axles remember to add the drivers weight to the back axle.
hope this helps.

 

[RickB]

If you are set on having two sets of wheels & tires, get turfs and ag tires. R4's on a CUT are just a compromise effort. R4's and turfs are too much alike to have both.

 

[jeff9366]

I have never found soil compaction to be an issue with R4's filled only with air on my 4-WD tractor.

R4's are usually six ply tires. Sometimes eight ply tires. So R4's are highly puncture resistant.

Turf tires are four ply. Less puncture resistant, especially the tire sidewalls.

You cannot use a Moldboard Plow with Turf Tires. Tires will not fit in the plow furrow, as required.

Go with R4's. Forget the Turfs. Too much sweat to change tires and rims front and rear.

The average residential tractor runs just sixty hours per year.

 

[Oldoak]

If you are set on having two sets of wheels & tires, get turfs and ag tires. R4's on a CUT are just a compromise effort. R4's and turfs are too much alike to have both.

My thoughts as well.

However, I also think changing them back and forth will grow old in short order and more often than not find yourself wanting the opposite set on the tractor that you want at the time.

 

[BLSXJ]

I bought my tractor used with Ag. tires on it and a set of turf tires. The rear turf tires where loaded which meant handling them was a major pain. I have found on my hilly terrain, and loader having loaded tires is a must!

changing tractor tires is not the same as car or truck tires. if you want to find out how difficult it is, try changing your car/truck tires next time with only one hand, and you can never lift a tire off the ground. and if a tire falls on to its side... you lose!

just get the industrial tires, loaded... and use the money you save on a implement.